City Cast Denver

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How Trump, Harris Would Change the Lives of Newcomers in Denver Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

When it comes to immigration, former president Trump has drawn national attention to Aurora with his exaggerated claims that a Venezuelan gang has “taken over.” Locally, Mayor Johnston has focused on welcoming newcomers to Denver, redirecting public money into emergency support and opportunities for these people to build new lives. But lost somewhere in the middle is a skyrocketing backlog of asylum seekers, waiting around in a Mile High limbo to see a judge who will decide their fate. Colorado Sun reporter Jennifer Brown spent weeks inside the immigration court and at the ICE detention facility in Aurora to understand why the wait times are getting longer, meet some of our new neighbors, and figure out who has the power to help.

We strongly recommend Jennifer Brown and Ernesto Cabral’s three-part series on the skyrocketing backlog of asylum cases in Denver’s immigration courts (Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3) in the Colorado Sun.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm

What do you think about the backlog of asylum seekers in Denver? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Learn more about the sponsors of this November 4th episode:

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The Four Cities That Could Decide the Election Nov 03, 2024

Show notes

This week we’ll be sharing results from our local elections and discussing what they mean for Denver. But we can’t help but wonder… what’s going on with our City Cast colleagues in swing states? As America white-knuckles its way into one of the closest presidential elections in modern history, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with the hosts of our shows in swing state cities: Madison, Philly, Pittsburgh, and Las Vegas. In this special episode, our crew of hosts gives you a locals’ look inside how their cities are preparing for the presidential election and its aftermath. From a peek inside the Pennsylvania election warehouse where mail-in ballots will be counted, to a glimpse at how Dane County, Wisconsin’s early voting is going, you’re invited to hear what the swing states are talking about…with each other.

A ‘Major’ Elections Security Breach? Plus, Big Cats Big Money and a Whitewashed Chicano Mural Nov 01, 2024

Show notes

It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the biggest news of the week. First, Secretary of State Jena Griswold is in hot water after a spreadsheet with sensitive election-related passwords was exposed online. Will this flub have an impact on voter turnout? Will Griswold resign? Then, the future of big cat hunting is up for debate as millions of dollars pour into both sides of a surprisingly complex ballot question. Producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies are joined by returning fave, Aspen Times politics reporter Elliot Wenzler, to talk about Griswold’s rough week and how the effects of our 2020 wolf reintroduction vote will influence the way Denverites think about big cats, plus an Aurora councilwoman’s NSFW texts, at tattoo shop gets phallic revenge, and another Chicano mural is whitewashed with no warning.

Here are some links to Elliot’s coverage of the mountain lion hunting ban measure and the stress of wolf reintroduction on CPW. Paul found some unedited footage of the phallic paintings on the tattoo shop and played a clip of Kyle Clark’s interview on 9Newwith the Secretary of State. Bree mentioned Denver’s push to get incarcerated people to the polls, David Ocelotl Garcia’s previously whitewashed — and then restored — mural, “Huitzilopochtli”, and a piece from the GES Gazette, “Can Art Survive Here?”.

What do you think about the proposal to ban big cat hunting? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver

Learn more about the sponsors of this November 1st episode:

Denver Heath
Denver Public Library - RSVP to the grand reopening here
Denver Film - Get your tickets here!
BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST
New Era Colorado
PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Your Guide to November 2024 in Denver Oct 31, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to November, a chilly month in the Mile High City — perfect for getting cozy indoors or enjoying the beauty of our seasonal weather. We’ve rounded up our top recommendations for things to do and see, places to sip and savor, and ways to give back around Denver and beyond. From a hidden gem pie shop in the suburbs and some killer chili-cookoffs to the best Día de los Muertos celebrations and ways to give back to your neighbors, we’ve got your November calendar covered!

If you’re new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Denver community.

For even more tips on how to make the most of November in Denver, check out our newsletter Hey Denver’s take on what to do this month. And if you want an insider’s guide to the Mile High EVERY week, for as little as $8 a month you can sign up to become a City Cast Denver member today and enjoy our members-only email that lays out cool events each Monday!

Bree mentioned this great story from Jennifer Brown at The Colorado Sun about newcomers to Denver and what it’s like navigating the local immigration bureaucracy.

City Cast Denver is made possible by our awesome sponsors:

Denver Heath
Denver Public Library - RSVP to the grand reopening here!
Denver Film - Get your tickets for the 2024 Denver Film Festival here!
BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST
New Era Colorado

And we’re also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more membership.citycast.fm about how to become a member of City Cast Denver.

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here citycast.fm/advertise.

Got questions or comments about this episode? You can reach us at denver@citycast.fm

Balloon Boy, Rapping Realtors, and More of CO’s Biggest Viral Moments Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

Every so often, something really weird happens in Colorado, and sometimes it goes mega-viral, making the world stop and look in our direction. So what do they see? Apart from the fact that Coloradans are capable of some pretty hilarious, bizarre, and sometimes awful things, what do our biggest viral moments say about us? Host Bree Davies sits down with a couple of our favorite guests — politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval and local history aficionado David Gilbert — to revisit some of Colorado’s biggest viral moments.

Watch the whole “Fresh Prince of Denv-Air” video if you dare!

What viral moments did we miss? We want to hear about the ones that made you laugh, cry, or stare dumbfounded at the crazy things Coloradans are capable of! Seriously, we know there’s probably a ton more that we forgot. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

If you enjoyed the sneak peek at Denver Public Library’s central branch and the interview with Rachel Fewell, learn more about the grand reopening here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 30th episode:

Denver Heath
Denver Public Library - RSVP to the grand reopening here
Denver Film - Get your tickets here!
BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST
New Era Colorado

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Was Mayor Mike ‘Factually Incorrect’? Plus, Michael Bennet vs. Dark Money Oct 29, 2024

Show notes

There’s only a week left until Election Day! So we’re digging into all the latest election news and gossip as millions and millions of dollars are flooding the local airwaves with campaign ads. First, political insiders are saying that that the polls on Proposition 131 (aka, open primaries and ranked choice voting) are tightening, despite all the backers’ endorsements and fundraising. Then, was Mayor Mike Johnston “factually incorrect” when we asked him about the sales tax hike he put in front of Denver voters to fund affordable housing? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking politics, checking some facts, and fielding some listener questions and hot takes on the local races.

Sen. Michael Bennet laid out his case against open primaries and ranked choice voting. For more, Paul interviewed Kent Thiry and Amber McReynolds to better understand their case for the proposed reforms, as well as State Rep. Emily Sirota about why she’s so firmly against them.

How are you planning to vote on Prop 131? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Don’t miss our interview with Mayor Mike Johnston from last week! In addition to discussing his sales tax hike proposal in detail, he also talked to us about restaurants and the tipped minimum wage conundrum, cracking down on traffic violations, and his excitement for KroenkeTown. Bree also mentioned her conversation with former city councilwoman Robin Kniech about how Johnston’s proposal fits into the city’s recent history on affordable housing.

If you enjoyed the interview with Matthew Campbell, Artistic Director of the Denver Film Festival, learn more here.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/denver

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 29th episode:

Denver Heath
Denver Public Library - RSVP to the grand reopening here
Denver Film - Get your tickets to Denver Film Fest here!
BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST
New Era Colorado
PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Predictions, Rumors, and Insider Info on CO's 8 Congressional Races Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

Election Day is coming up next week, and the battle for Congress could come down to Colorado, where eight seats are up for grabs. So who are the candidates? What’s at stake? And most importantly, who’s going to win? Producer Paul Karolyi is joined by Democratic strategist Ian Silverii, and his friend and former foil on 9News, Republican strategist Kelly Maher, to break down the tightest races and the most important issues from both sides of the aisle.

Paul quoted this article about abortion and same-sex marriage in the District 8 race from the Colorado Sun.

For even more Colorado politics with Ian, check out the podcast he co-hosts Get More Smarter!

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Who do you think is going to win in the tightest race, for District 8 — Evans or Caraveo? We want to hear what you think! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member today: membership.citycast.fm/denver

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 28th episode:

Denver Heath
Denver Public Library - RSVP to the grand reopening here
Denver Film Fest - Get your tickets here!
BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST
New Era Colorado

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Who’s at Risk of E. coli? Plus, Blatant Election Lies and KroenkeTown Here We Come! Oct 25, 2024

Show notes

It’s Friday, and we’re rounding up the biggest stories of the week. First, an E. coli outbreak linked to Quarter Pounders at McDonald’s led to one death in Mesa County, dozens more with grisly symptoms, and lots of questions about Colorado’s unique relationship with food safety. Plus, Denver Post reporter Joe Rubino takes host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi inside City Council’s vote green-lighting local billionaire Stan Kroenke’s plan to build a whole new downtown neighborhood in the parking lots around Ball Arena. Finally, we share our wins and fails of the week.

Bree talked about podcast episode about Super Size Me from Maintenance Phase and The Sporkful, as well as the Denver Voice and political misinformation in the form of a text message. Paul talked about The Ginger Pig, our episode on DOTI’s decision to roll back plans for a protected bike lane, and this op-ed by Governor Jared Polis on “food freedom.”

What do you think about McDonald’s rough week? Is it going to affect how you vote? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 25th episode:

Denver Public Library - RSPVP to the grand reopening here
Denver Art Museum
PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

All 12 Denver Ballot Measures, Explained Oct 24, 2024

Show notes

There’s less than two weeks until Election Day, and Denverites have been tasked with deciding a dozen measures and amendments. So if you’re dragging your feet to fill out your ballot, don’t worry — we’re here to help! Last week in front of a sold-out crowd at Town Hall Collaborative, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi were joined by Westword editor-in-chief Patty Calhoun and political consultant Deep Singh Badhesha to discuss the biggest issues facing Mile High voters. From collective bargaining for city employees to the proposed fur ban, we dug into the ballot, made some predictions, and talked about what the outcomes could say about Denver’s future and our priorities.

Paul mentioned our episode with Denver Health CEO Donna Lynne in which she made the case for a “yes” on Ballot Question 2Q, as well as this article from the New York Times by Ted Genoways about undocumented workers in the meat industry. Mayor Mike Johnston was on the show yesterday advocating for Ballot Question 2R, his sales tax hike to fund affordable housing.

For even more election coverage, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter Hey Denver, where editor Peyton Garcia breaks down everything you need to know about how, when, and where to vote!

What do you think about all these ballot questions? We want to hear your hot takes, questions, or last-minute arguments for or against! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/denver

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Denver Public Library - RSVP to the grand reopening here
Denver Art Museum

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Mayor Johnston on Raising Your Taxes, Crime at Natural Grocers, and Struggling Restaurants Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

Mayor Mike Johnston just hit his goal of getting 2,000 people off the streets before the end of the year. However, the housing fight is far from over — he’s also been hard at work pushing Ballot Issue 2R, which, if passed, would increase the city’s sales tax to fund a new affordable housing plan. But with Mile High residents already struggling with the cost of living, is a regressive tax really the answer? The mayor joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi for his regular check-in to make his case for higher taxes. Plus, Mayor Mike wades into the minimum wage debate, explains why he thinks adding more police officers to the force will mean fewer people of color being incarcerated, and answers listener questions about crime on Colfax and dangerous drivers.

Are you going to vote for Mayor Johnston’s sales tax hike to fund affordable housing? Why or why not? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/denver

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 23rd episode: